How physically taxing is kitchen fitting?

[Dylan T]

Hi all - after a couple of decades in tech I'm considering getting out. I'd like my next job to be something I can do till retirement, and was considering kitchen fitting. I've done a couple of my own, and enjoyed it, and would eventually look to go into custom cabinets as I did this recently for a camper and loved it. But for now I'm curious from folks who are in the business - how physical is kitchen fitting? I'm not in poor shape, but im not a typical regular gym going tradie - how does it rank in terms of tolls on your body out of the trades?

Thanks

 

[Wayners]

I know a guy that stopped fitting kitchens because of the physical effort involved with cabinets. He stuck to fitting bathrooms.
Don't let that put you off though. I know a policeman that retired at 50 then started a successful kitchen fitting company and still going 10 years later.
He loves it. He's good at it as well.
I think the hardest part is having good electricians and plumbers, tilers and someone to plasterer which fill in for what you can't do yourself.
You soon pick up new skills and will be able to do most of it yourself.

 

[chirpychippy]

Its a good occupation to be honest and it is also quite financially attractive, if you can find the work!

Let's not kid ourselves it does affect your body, I often have a twingey back, or my shoulders and forearms are sore. I visit an osteopath monthly and do alot of stretching.

You will find ways to manage heavier objects like worktops or just get someone to help on those days.

Ive been fitting kitchens for 15 years and still enjoy it.

The element I really enjoy is removing their old kitchen which they pay me to do, leaving them destitute, and then becoming the hero when I fit a new functioning kitchen. In their moments of joy I get plied with wine, beer, money, cakes its a win win.

 

[foxhole]

Usually find them quite straightforward but last one I fitted (my own) was a struggle as have cervical stenosis and was awaiting an op . Certainly struggle to do one now , though not due to my age (69) but due to physical limitations ( op only prevented further deterioration).
Always handy to get a junior dogsbody to help with any heavy lifting and as a runner .

 

[johnny2007]

You can be as careful as you want, at one point your body will be damaged.
For me it was a 3m worktop that I lifted and turned around and the momentum cracked my back.
Plus all the tools to carry, material, cabinets, appliances, etc
If you have a young lad with you and can be good at not doing stupid things by yourself, you might be ok.
It's a physical job, there's no 2 ways about it.
You don't need to be super fit, although it helps.

 

[blup]

You can pick up the basic skills fair quickly. Fitting worktops needs practice to get the mitres right. They can be very heavy and long at the top end kitchens so consider smaller jobs to start with or get a mate to help. Any kind of day in day out physical work will take a toll on your back.

 

[JohnD]

I think the hardest part is having good electricians and plumbers, tilers and someone to plasterer which fill in for what you can't do yourself.

Some kitchen fitters can't do plumbing, electrics and plastering.

But do it anyway.